Most Frequently Asked Elopement Questions
Click here for Most Frequently Asked Portrait Session Questions
So how does this work?
First, book me as your elopement photographer! Choose which package you would like. I’ll send you a contract with information for making the deposit. After I’ve received the deposit, I’ll give you some different options for where to have the ceremony, depending on number of guests and where we’ll be doing photos after. I’ll help you set a time and fill out your pack permit. You can add flowers, video, and/or an officiant! I also have recommendations for cake, hair and makeup, all those things! Then we meet at the ceremony location a little before the ceremony. I’ll help set everyone up because I know where it looks best. I always think it’s nice to walk down the aisle, even if it’s just you and him! After the ceremony and signing the license, if you have family with you, we will take family photos. After cake and champange, I mean, why not?! Then you’ll hop back in your car and follow me as I drive to my favorite spots in Glacier for photos!
How much time do we need?
I’ve photographed in Glacier enough to know about how much time we need in each area to hit the best spots. 90% of the elopement galleries on my website were three hours, so looking through those gives you a good idea for what photos you’ll be receiving. If you have a bunch of guests you may want to add more time and if you cant decide which area you like best, get my Glacier Tour package!
When will I get the photos?
I guarantee within 90 days on the contract, but I aim for 30 days.
Do I need a going to the sun reservation?
Yes and no, you dont one for the day of your wedding but for the days before and after you probably want to get one.
How long does it take to get a permit?
You have to apply within 30 days of when you want the permit, and yes, it takes awhile to hear back from them.
Do the occupancy for cerermonies include officiant, photographer, video guy?
Yes. If they didn’t have limits there would be 250 people weddings on the shores of Lake Mcdonald.
How many photos?
Average 3 hour elopements end up being around 250-350 photos. I usually deliver 100 photos per hour
How will I get the photos?
I deliver your gallery through an online gallery that never expires. You can order directly through that website, or you can download and order someplace else.
What’s the best time for my ceremony and photos?
Count back from the sunset time! This is why I keep sunset calendar on my phone. The best time of day for photos is in the evening, sunset yes, but also the hours before sunset is the golden hour, the magic hour, that’s when the park goes from pretty to jaw dropping.
What about the crowds.
That’s another reason why the evening is best! The park is significantly less crowded in the evening than during the day.
Are there places in the park to get ready?
No, there aren’t really places in the park to get ready, unless you rent a room in Apgar or at Lake McDonald Lodge. It’s best to come with hair and makeup done, but if you want to wait until I’ve helped many a bride into her dress in the woods!
I’m not photogenic…will you help me look good?
Yes! I will tell you exactly what to do! It will be fun and you will look incredible and get the most flattering photos of you you’ve ever had.
Do you photoshop?
Yes, as you’re not currently at the point where you can love and embrace every single part of you, even the imperfect parts, I’ll make you look like you would on your best day ever, like you got 8 hours of sleep and haven’t had a drink for a month. I make you look like you’re standing at the most flattering angle you’ve ever experienced and you never forgot to lift your chin to hide the double chin that you actually don’t have in regular life but in every photo rears its ugly head…is that a pun or just really close to one?
My husband/groom/son/masculine presence in my life doesn’t like having his photo taken. Will you help?
NO SH*&^$$#*T 90% of guys don’t like having their photo taken which I find so odd because women are the ones who are so self-conscious! But I’m really good at making it not too miserable :)
How much hiking is involved?
If you want to get crazy and hike we certainly can, but all of my favorite spots (including ceremony spots) are very easy to access. My favorite ceremony location is even wheelchair accessible!
Should I wear hiking boots?
Yes. Or comfortable shoes. Bring the heels and we can do some photos in them too. Wearing heels the whole time is doable, but much slower going.
You want to start the shoot so late!? Are we going to run out of sunlight?
Yes. In fact that’s the goal, we want the SUNSET and all that golden delicious light that happens right before sunset! TRUST ME. Also, my equipment takes a lot better photos than your iphone ;)
Can we videotape it?
Yes! 100% fine. Although even better, contact LoveLife Creative and have them do a video.
What if the weather is bad?
I’ve never had to reschedule a wedding because of weather.
Glacier Park is massive. 1 million acres. If the weather is bad then we can simply wait or go to a different spot! Weather moves very quickly through the mountains. And honestly, bad weather makes for the best photos! It’s dynamic and original.
The hardest weather element is smoke. The right amount of smoke can add a warm, glowing filter to your photos and the sunsets are to die for! But when it is too thick (which is very rare) and the mountains are hard to see, I know of great spots that aren’t affected by the smoke and I can also photoshop and make the mountains more visible.
What next?
I will send you a digital contract and once that is signed and the deposit received the date is yours!
Do I need to get a blood test to get a marriage license in Montana?
Montana no longer requires blood tests for marriage. In 2019, Montana House Bill 136 abolished the requirement for premarital blood tests for women seeking a marriage license.
Whats the difference between a park permit, reservation, ceremony permit and marriage license?
Park Permit/Entrance Fee $35- This is what you purchase at the gate to enter the park. Good for 7 days.
Reservation/Going to the Sun Ticket $2 – This is what you get online before your visit to be able to drive the Going to the Sun Road which takes you to Logan Pass. https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm
Ceremony Permit $125- This is what you need to fill out in order to have a ceremony within the park. This ALSO serves as your Going to the Sun Ticket/ reservation the day of your wedding https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
Marriage License $53 – This is what you get in order to be married in the eyes of the government. https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/clerk_of_court/marriage_application_start
Who can officiate the wedding?
Anyone. Or no one. You can literally marry yourselves. Which sounds very confusing. But it’s called “self-solemnization” But I prefer having someone there. Just makes it special. But yes, your friend or family member can do it. They’ll sign the marriage license as Officiant.
Do we need witnesses?
Nope. The internet says you do and you don’t. You don’t.
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Hi ! I stumbled across your website while scrolling through Pinterest for Elopement inspo! I would love to get more information on your packages. I am planning a small intimate ceremony: bride, groom, parents for both and 2 little boys (3 and 4 yo). I am planning for Aug 15 if you have that date available. The date is not negotiable because it is our 5 year dating anniversary so we’d really like it to be that day, if you are available. This blog was VERY informative as I am already very overwhelmed planning this haha thank you for you time & I look forward to hearing back from you soon :)
Shoot me an email! mwphoto406@gmail.com :)